Manual:Professional Development:Looking the Part

Looking the Part
Don’t judge a book by its’ cover. It is an old idiom that was used to warn others not to judge something by how it looks on the outside. But as it has been found throughout the centuries humans do just that. Individuals judge one another in the first few seconds of seeing each other. In those few seconds your appearance will either help you or hinder you. So, it is vitally important that you maintain your appearance at all times. There are three areas of focus in this section; personal hygiene, clothing, and posture.

Personal Hygiene
One of the most important things to be aware of when trying to project a professional image is personal hygiene. Sure, a well pressed and dressed uniform will go a long way to project an image of professionalism, but if you are not clean or well-groomed then that will detract from that image. A person who does not practice good personal hygiene conveys the message that they lack self-respect and will not receive any respect in return. Also remember that using too much cologne, perfume, aftershave, etc… can also be just as bad as not wearing any at all.

Clothing
Whether in or out of uniform, at a convention or the pizza-place down the road, you are a representative of the STARFLEET Marine Corps. As such you should dress appropriately. Also remember that a laundered, presses and properly outfitted uniform is the best way to present a professional appearance. Any permanently soiled, or non-fitting garments should be discarded and replaced.



Posture
Wearing the proper clothing is a big step to looking professional, but one also needs to have the right posture. This is where the words spoken by many a mother or father come back to haunt us; “Stand up straight!”, “Don’t slouch! “Sit up straight!” are probably just a few of the phrases that one hears when growing up. Be-lieve it or not those words uttered by so many parents actually have merit. Not only does your personal hy-giene and what you wear convey professionalism, so does your posture. You can be the cleanest person in the world and have a spic and span uniform but if your posture is bad, you lose the professional image. So when at all possible try to use proper posture, that is:
 * 1) Sit up straight when sitting, do not slouch! Slouching conveys the image that you are too relaxed and may not care or that you are lazy. Not to mention that it is bad for your back. Sitting up straight conveys that you are alert and ready to go.
 * 2) Stand up straight and do not lean against anything. Leaning against something will make someone think that you are tired, not caring, etc… Standing straight conveys the image that you are proud, self-confident and alert. Of course there are times when leaning against something is proper or necessary, but try to avoid it unless absolutely necessary.